District council announces free parking in run up to Christmas

Huntingdonshire District Council is hoping to give town centres a boost in the run up to Christmas by offering free parking during December in council-run car parks.

The authority confirmed today (Thursday) that, from December 1-22, parking will be free after 3pm, from Monday to Friday.

This special offer is valid in St Neots (including Waitrose), St Ives (including Waitrose) and Huntingdon. Parking is free in Ramsey.

The Market Square in St Neots is classed as an on-street facility so charging will remain there after 3pm. Parking is already free in the town centre car parks on Sundays.

Councillor Jim White, executive councillor for operations, said: “This has proved to be very successful over previous years, and we want shoppers and businesses to continue to benefit from free parking after 3pm leading up to Christmas.

“We hope that this offer will once again encourage residents to shop more locally and continue to support businesses in our district.”

Shoppers will not have to pay and display a ticket during the special offer period. Signs and stickers will be on display in car parks, and on the car parking machines explaining the times when the offer is valid.